Islanders Fans Support Jailed ‘Cooler Cop’ Erik Duran Through Legal Fund Launch
Islanders fans rallied Tuesday at UBS Arena to back jailed ‘Cooler Cop’ Erik Duran. The crowd responded to a legal fund launch shown on the jumbotron.
Fundraising at the game
The NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association organized the push. A QR code on the board let fans donate directly.
The fund had reached about $40,000 by Tuesday morning. A portion of a 50/50 raffle will also go to the appeal.
Raffle and totals
The arena’s 50/50 drawing brought in nearly $45,000 that night. Organizers pledged part of those proceeds to the legal fund.
Who spoke and attended
SBA president Vincent Vallelong addressed the crowd. He said the effort was focused on Duran’s family.
Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky joined union leaders. Post executive Patrick Judge and other SBA members were also present.
Support from law enforcement
Vallelong said the case concerns officers nationwide. He urged collective help to challenge the conviction.
Several off-duty officers and longtime Nassau cops voiced similar views at the arena. Some purchased raffle tickets remotely to contribute.
Case background and sentence
Erik Duran, 38, a married father of three, was convicted in a non-jury trial. Bronx Judge Guy Mitchell found him guilty of second-degree manslaughter.
The judge sentenced Duran to three-to-nine years in prison. The incident occurred in August 2023 in Highbridge.
What happened in August 2023
Prosecutors say Duran hurled a full Igloo cooler at Eric Duprey, 30. Duprey was fleeing on a moped during a drug bust.
Duran testified he acted to protect fellow officers. The judge determined the use of force was not justified.
Custody and next steps
Duran is currently held at Rikers Island in protective custody. He is expected to be transferred to a state facility.
The SBA launched the legal fund to finance an appeal. Islanders fans and union supporters contributed through the jumbotron appeal.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments about the jailed ‘Cooler Cop’ and the ongoing legal fund launch.
